Syllabus Creation

As a faculty member approaches the development of his or her class, it is important to reflect not only on the content students should understand, but also the information provided through the course syllabus. For most students to be active and engaged participants in the learning experience, understanding the course goals and objectives, instructor's overall expecations, and how work will be evaluated will be critical to their academic success.

The following University policy has been adopted by the Faculty Association and approved by the Provost and President:

Students must be provided written information about the goals and requirements of each course, the nature of the course content, and the methods of evaluation to be employed. The policy was adapted from requirements set forth by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), our accrediting agency. SACS requires that in undergraduate courses, methods of instruction must be appropriate to the goals of each course and the capabilities of the students. Experimentation with methods to improve instruction must be adequately supported and critically evaluated (Section 10.7). SACS also requires that in graduate courses, Instructional methods and delivery systems must provide students with the opportunity to achieve the stated objectives of a course or program. Students must be informed of the goals and requirements of each course, the nature of course content, and the methods of evaluation to be employed. Methods of instruction must be appropriate for students at the specified level of graduate study.

In addition to these requirements, some disciplines have syllabus requirements, as do some colleges or departments on this campus.

A syllabus guidebook can be found here, in addition, other traditional and interactive example syllabi can be found at: